Automatic cut-off and drainage valve



a. A. MOORE I, AUTOMATIC OUT-OFF AND DRAINAGE VALVE Filed March 28. 1924 arc m6 A. MOO/PL 3 Shoots-Stick].

:wwmtoo 1; Aug. 9, 1927. G. A. MOORE 4 638,052

AUTOMATIC OUT-OFF AND DRAINAGE VALVE Filed March as. 1924 s snem-sn'm 2 50,45 AJIMH" win 5356 927. Aug 1 s. A. MOORE AUTOMATIC CUT-OFF AND DRAINAGE VALVE 'Filed March 28. 1924 Shoots-Sheet 3 Patented Aug. 9, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT oar-" CE.

' Application man ion u, um. lerlal temper;

This invention relates to means for cutting off the supply ofwater from the water mains to the supply water system of houses, when the temperature drops below a predetermined degree and for permitting the draining of water from the system in the house, whereby the freezin of the water in the house pipes and the pipes is absolutely precluded.

Another object of the invention is the provision of novel means operated by an electrical device set in operation by a thermometer, when the temperature reaches a predetermined degree for positively stopping the inflow of water from the water mains into the water system of a house or a builda further object of the invention is the provision of means for automatically openmg a drain valve in the system when the supply valve is cut oil, so as to permit the quick and instantaneous draining of the house water system.

A further object of the invention is the provisionof means for breaking the electric circuit after the valves have been actuated, so as to prevent the wastage of the current.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel means for permitting the re setting of the valves for permitting themeuse of the house water system.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved device of the above character, which will be durable and efiicient in use, one which will be simple and easy to manufacture. and one which can be in corporated with a water system at a small cost.

With these and other objects in view,

the invention consists inthe novel construction, arrangement and formation of 1 parts, as-will be hereinafter more specifical 1y described, claimed and illustrated in {the accompanying drawings, in which draw- Figure l is aside elevation of the water drainage device and cut-off valve shouting the same applied to a flush tank, part of the system and the flush tank being shown in section.

Figure 2 is adetail section through the cut-off valve and closing mechanism taken on the line 22 of Figure 3.

Figure 3 is a detail section taken on the line 33 of Figure 2,

reaking of the Figure 4-is a'longitu'dinal section through the cut-01f valve taken on the line 44 of Fi re2, i

igure 5 is a detail perspective view of the operating shaft for sup rting the valve for controlling the. flow o water'into the house water system, I V

Figure 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through a water spigot which can be useld in the house water distributing system, an

Figure is a detail side elevation ofan air valve which can be used in the house water system a i i Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein-similar reference characters designate correspspnding parts throughout the several view], the letter A generall indicates the novl automatic cutrofi an drainage device, a d B the water m. of a house or building, with which t e device A can beincorfiorated. As shown the house water system B includes a main supply ipe 10, which'as shown in'Figure 1, is 1 directly to a flush tank 11 in which is arranged the usual pe ofballflush valve 12. The

' casing 13 o the flush valvelis provided with a novel ty e of drain valv" 14 the urpose; of which 3411 be hereinaftgr nfo're hilly de, scribed. v

The water main for sup lying water to the house supply pipe 10 is indicated by the reference character 15,. and-as shown the improved automatic-cut-ofi'mnd,draina e valve A is interposed directly 'between t e main 15 and the house supply pipe 10 and is preferably buried in the; ground at a convenient point. 1 f f I In conjunction with'the im roved automatic cut-off and drainage va've A, I use a thermometer 16, which can of any preierred type and which I employ for autoinatically closing an electric circuit for operjat-ing'the cut-oil andfdrainage valve as will ;be hereinafter moreflfully described. As shown, the thermometer-16 embodies a dial '17 (and an indicating pointer 18 which is cperatedby any material-susceptible to heat or,cold not shown in the drawing. .Below the dial 17 of the thermometer 16 I provide I acup 19 which can be filled with electric cond1icting,-material such as mercury, etc. The cup 19 -h'as extending into the same a. contact 21 to which is electrically connected a wire 22. This cup 19 can be formed of electric insulating material if so desired. The thermometer 16 carries an adjustable contact pin 23 and thispin is adapted to be adjusted to different points according to the temperature at which the occupant of the house desires the automatic cut-ofl? and drainage valve to operate. A second electric wire 24 is' operatively connected .to the vpointer 18 of the thermometer and the inter carries a depending contact 25 which is adapted to engage'the contact pin 23 when the pointer reaches a predetermined degree of temperature, such as zero or some temrature -wherein water systems of the ouses are liable to freeze. As shown the current for actuating the automatic cut-'ofi Y and drainage valve is received from the supply wires and 26 of the ordinary house current and in order to permit the current to be used a transformer 27 can be interposed therein. As shown wires 28 and 24 lead from the transformer. The wires 22 and 28 leading to the electrical mechanism employed for operating the automatic cut-ofl and drainage valve will be hereinafter more fully described. I

The improved automatic cut-01f and drainage valve A comprises first a casing 3O Wh1ch as stated is preferabl buried in the ground and this casing 30 as a guide way 31 leading into the same which can and 10 are connected together by a valve casing'32 as clearly shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings. The pipe 10 1s fitted directly in a valve seat 33 which is arranged within the valve casing 32 and a flat valve 34 is adapted to sit upon the seat 33 so as to prevent the flow of water through the pipe at certain times, as will be hereinafter more fully described. It is to be noted however that when the valve 34 is raised, that the water can normally flow from the main 15 into the valve casing 32 and then into the water feed pipe 10 of the house system. This valve 34 is carried by a valve arm 36 which is secured to a rock-shaft 37. The rock-shaft is rotatably mounted in suitable bearings carried by the valve casing 32 and extends exteriorly of the casing into the supporting and protectinghousing 30. This rock-shaft has rigidly secured thereto a dog 38 on which is formed a radially extending tooth 39, the purpose of, which will be also hereinafter more fully described." A radially extending arm 40 is formed on the rockshaft 37 at substantially right'angles to the tooth 39 and this arm 40 has secured thereto a contractile valve spring 41 which normally tends to rock the shaft and hold the .valve 34 on the seat 33 for preventing the flow or pivotally connected thereto an operating rod 43 which extends through the guide way 31 and out of the protecting housing 30 above the ground level; and is providedfor actuating the rock shaft manually. for a purpose. which will also he hereinafter more fully described- Arranged within the protecting housing 31 is a supporting bracket 44t0 which is pivotally secured a rock lever 45 having a depending tooth 46 formed on its inner end, which is adapted to normally engage the rndiully'extending tooth 39 formed on the collar for normally -prcventing rotation of the rock shaft 37 against the influence of the spring 41. By referring to Figure 3 and 4 of the drawings it'can be seen that the tooth 39 is so disposed relative to the valve arm 36. that when the valve arm 36 is in its raised position. the tooth 39 will be engaged by the tooth 46 on the rock lever 45, whereby the valve will be normally held in a raised position.v The outer end of the rock lever 45 has operatively connected thereto a depending core 47 of a solenoid 48 and it is obvious that when the solenoid 48 is energized that the core 47 will be drawn lUU into the same, which will rock the lever on its pivot and move the tooth 46 out of the path of the tooth 39 allowing the valve to seat. The electric wire 22 leading from the contact 21 is preferably connected directly with one terminal of the solenoid 38, while the wire 28 is directly connected to a switch arm 49 formed on the rock shaft 37 for av purpose. which will be hereinafter more fully described. This contact arm 49 is adapted to fitbetwcen a pair of contact jaws 50 connected with but insulated from the valve casing 32. A wi'i-e 51 is employed for connecting the contact jaws 50 with the other terminal of the solenoid 48. v

It is obvious that when the device is in use, that when the temperaturefalls to a point below,-.t hat at which thccontact 23 is set thatthe'circnit is closed by the thermometer and current-is allowed to flow into the solenoid 48 whichivill operate the rock lever 45 heretobetore described. and pern'iit,

the lowering of the valve; 34 on its seat. It

is obvious that as the shaft. 37 rotates. that the arm 49 will move from out of engagement with the contact jaws 50 which will again break the circuitthrough the solenoid which'will permit the return of the lever 45 to its normal pos tion when the shaft is again rotated for returning the tooth 39 under the tooth 46. I This of course saves the re-setting of'the device. The'device can be re-set when desired by simply operating the hand rod 43 manually, asheretobefore described, which will permit the'locking of the shaft 37.

By this construction it canbe seen that the water is automatically cut off from the pipe 10. when a predetermined temperature is reached;

In order to permit the draining of the Water which is in the system when the valve 34 is moved to its seat. I provide a branch drain pipe which communicates with'the pipe 10 in rear of the valve seat 33. This branch pipe 55 extends exteriorly of the proteeting housing 30. This branch pipe 55 has arranged therein a rotatable plug valve 56, the stem of which is provided with an operating crank handle 57. This operating crank handle 57 is operat-ively connected through the medium of a link 58, with a radially extending crank arm 59'formed onthe rock shaft 37. By this construction it can be seen that when the shaft 37 is operated by the solenoid 48 that the valve 56 will be also operated so as to permit the flow of water'through the branch pipe 55 and thus permit the draining of all water from the ouse supply pipes.

In order to permit the draining of water from any flush tanks in the system I provide the drain valve 1 4, heretobefore mentioned on the casings 13 of the float controlled valve 12. This same valve 14 embodies a valve casing-60 having a cap 61 threaded thereon, which is provided with a valve seat 62. When water is flowing through the casing 13 of the float valve it is obvious that the valve 62 will be normally held upon its seat. However when the water pressure is cut oil from thepipe l0,

' the Valve 62 is permitted to drop away from its seat due to the incoming water from the tank 11. A perforated valve'gate 63 is employed for holding the valve against the tank 11.

It is preferred to have air inlet valves incorporated with the water system of the house or building at predetermined points so as to permit the easy draining of the water from the pipes.

In Figures ti and 7 I have shown valves incorporatedwith ditferent parts of the house 1 supplyisystem.

gure 6 is shown a conventional water spigot 65, which has communicating therewith directly below the usual control valve 66 the air valve 67. which as shown embodies a valve cap 68 having a valve seat and way therethrough. Inward of the cap 68 is provided a perforated valve rest 69 against which the valve is adapted to rest when the same is moved from off its seat. It is obvious that the draining of the water system will cause a suction within the valve 67 which will raise the valve 70'from ofl its seat on the rest 69 which will allow air to enter the system.

In Figure 7 is shown-a T 'c oupling 71 which can be provided for var ous purposes such as connecting waterpipes to journals and the, like, and the upper end of the coupling has connected therewith an air supply valve/72 v C anges in detail may befmade without departing from the spirit or the-scope of this invention, butf hat I claim is- 1. In combination, a supply main, a water distributing pipe fo'ra house a valve casing connecting the pipes together and provided with a valve seat, a rock shaftextending transversely through said casing and provided with a radially extending arm and an op ositely directed crank arm, a valve carried by the rock shaft within said casing and adapted to engage 11 on said valve seat, a dog carried by said sha t outwardly of said casing, arock lever pivoted intermediate its ends and havingits inner end adapted to be engaged by said dog, a solenoid having connection with the opposite end of said lever.

.means for energizing the said solenoid 'forrocking said shaft about its pivot so as to. close the valve upon the disengagement of the rock lever from said dog, and means secured to the crank arm for manually rocking said shaft to again engage the dog with the said lever. I

2. In combination, a supply main, a water distributing 'pipe for a house, a housing, a valve casing arranged within said housing connecting the pipes together and provided with a valve seat, a rock shaftlextending transversely through said casing and provided with a radially extending arm and an oppositely directed crank arm, a valve carried by the rock shaft within said casing and adapted to engageupon said valve seat. a dog carried bysaid shaft outwardly of said casing, a rock lever pivoted intermediate its ends and having its inner'end adapted to be engaged by said dog, a solenoid having connection with the opposite end bf. said lever, means for energizing the said solenoid whereby to rock said lever soas to disengage the forward end thereof'from said dog, a contractile coil spring secured to said radially extending arm for rocking said shaft about its pivot so as to close the valve upon the disengagement of the rock lever from said dog, and an operating IOd secured to the,

crank arm and projecting exteriorly of'the said housing whereby the said shaftmay be manually rockeduin opposite direction so as to again engage thedog with said lever.

3. In combination, a supply main, a water distributing pipe for a house, a valve casing connecting the pipes together and provided with a valve seat, a rock shaft extending transversely through] said casing and provided with a radially extending arm, an op positely directed crank arm and a contact I arm, a. pair of contact jaws adapted to be,

normally engaged by the said contact arm, a valve carried by the rock shaft within said casing and, adapted to engage upon said valve seat, a dog carried by said shaft outwardly of said casing, a rock lever pivoted intermediate its ends and having its inner end ada ted to be engaged by said dog, a

solenoid aving connection with the opposite end of said lever, means for energizing the said solenoid whereby to rock said lever so as to disengage the forward end thereof from said dog, means secured tosaid radially 1 tact jaws.

4. In combination, a supply main, a water distributing ipe for a house, a Valve casin connecting t e pipes together and provide with a valve seat, a rock shaft extending.

transverselythro'ugh said casing, and provided with acontact arm, a pair of contact jaws adapted to be normally engaged by said contact arm. a valve carried by the rock shaft within said casing and adapted to engage upon said valve seat, a dog carried by said shaft outwardly of said casing, a rock lever pivoted intermediate its ends and having its inner end adapted to be engaged by said dog, a solenoid having connection with the opposite end of said lever, means for energizing the said solenoid whereby to rock said lever so as to disengage the forward end thereof from said dog, means for rocking said rockshaft about its pivot so as to close the valve upon the disengagement of the rock lever from said dog and for simultaneously disenga 'ng the contact arm from the said contact aws so as to derenergize said solenoid, and manually operated means for rocking said shaft to again engage the dog with said. lever and the contact arm with said contact jaws. a a

5 Ina valve of the character described, including a casing body designed to be connected between a supply pipe and a distributing pipe, comprising means within said casing to set up a tubular body formed integral; at one end with the distributing pipe connecting side of the casing, and having the other inner end formed to set up a valve seat, a shaft extending transversely through said casing and revolubly' mounted on saidvbody, means carried by said shaft for supporting a valve member positioned to be placed upon said seat, a valve controlled drain line leading from said body for draining said distributing pi when the inner end of the bod is close and means carried by said sha t exteriorly of the casing body, for opening the valve controlled drain line when the shaft is oscillated to swing the arm carried thereby to valve closing position.

6. In a valve structure of the character described, a valve casing designed to be interposed between a supply line and a distributor line, means to set up a valve seat within said casing, a shaft extending trans- ,versely through said casing andbeyond theopposite sides thereof. an arm carried by said shaft within the casing, a valve disc supported from the free end of said armand designed to positioniupon said seat upon oscillation of the shaft in one direction, a-

.crank arm and an electricalcontact finger carried by said shaft, a dog carried by'said shaft, an operating solenoid mounted adjacent said casing, a rock arm mounted intermediate its ends between said solenoid and said dog and having one end operatively connected to said solenoid and the other end thereof adapted to engage said dog to hold the valve disc raised from its seat, resilient means controlling said crank arm to close said valve upon release of the dog, and means to set up an electrical contact between said finger and a switch controlled current sup ly line in which said solenoid-is placed, sai shaft swinging said finger upon the energization of said solenoid to break the contact therewith after the solenoid has released said dog to permit said resilient member to close the valve.

7. In a valve structure of the character described, a valve casing designed to be interposed between a supply line and a distributor line, means to set up a valve seat withinsaid casing, a shaft extending transversely through said casingand beyondthe opposite sides thereof, an arm carried by said shaft within the casing, a valve disc supported from the free end of saidarm and designed to position upon said seat upon oscillation of the shaft in one direction, a crank arm and an electrical contact finger carried by said shaft, a dog carried 'by'said shaft, an operating solenoid mounted adjacent said casing, a rock arm mounted intermediate its ends between said solenoid and said dog and having one end operatively connected to said solenoid'and the other-end thereof adapted to engage said dog to hold the valve disc raised from its seat, resilient means controlling said crank arm ,to close sald valve upon, release of the dog, means to set up an electrical contact between said close the valve, and controlled means confinger and aswitch controlled current siipplgLnected with said shaft for oscillating the line in which said solenoid is placed, said samesin such manner as to open said valve 10 i shaft swinging said fin r upon the enerand to again set up tact between said fingization of said solenoi to break theconger and electrical suppl line.

tact therewith after the solenoid has released In testimony whereof I aflix m sgature.

said dog to permit said resilient member to I GEOR A. I BE. 

